Safer highways

Springfield News-Leader

About one in six highway miles maintained by the Missouri Department of Transportation are just ribbons of asphalt, without yellow center stripes or white shoulder stripes. The lack of markings makes it challenging for motorists to see, especially on rural roads at night.

But, thankfully, that's about to change.

MoDOT director Henry Hungerbeeler announced that, at citizen behest, the department will paint center stripes on all Missouri highways. Many will also get shoulder stripes.

The decision is not only a good one for safety, but it shows that the much-maligned department is listening and responding to its constituents. ...

These kind of common sense, public-pleasing changes help build credibility.